Neuroprotective Effects of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Coated with Omega-3 as a Novel Drug for Recovery of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Abstract

Background: Novel nanoparticle drug therapy could be an effective method to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NP) coated with omega-3 on sciatic nerve regeneration in Wistar rats. Methods: The rats' left sciatic nerve was crushed with a non-serrated clamp. Animals in experimental groups were given Fe3O4@ω3 NPs (10 or 30 mg/kg/d) for one week. The recovery of functions was then assessed over eight weeks using a walking track analysis and a hot plate test. In addition, histomorphometry was used to assess the histomorphometric factors. Results: Results showed that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs may have enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration and improved sensorimotor rehabilitation in comparison to the negative controls. These therapeutic effects were significantly greater in Fe3O4@ω3 NPs at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Furthermore, Fe3O4@ω3 NPs treatment, compared to negative controls, significantly reduced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and improved histomorphometric parameters. Conclusions: It was determined that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs had great potential for nerve regeneration due to the ease of their manufacturing and their desired efficacy.

Iron role paradox in nerve degeneration and regeneration

“…As mentioned above, the majority of the studies have focused on the proteins involved in iron homeostasis, and relatively little is known about the effects of iron excess or deficiency on peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration. Systemic or local administration of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles after PNI improves the morphological, functional, and electrophysiological indices of the rat sciatic nerve (Chen et al., 2020; Pop et al., 2021; Tamjid et al., 2023). Intraperitoneal administration of omega‐3‐coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, either a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day for 1 week, has improved morphological and functional indices of the rat sciatic nerve after nerve crush, with greater effects observed at a dosage of 30 mg/kg (Tamjid et al., 2023).…”

“…Systemic or local administration of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles after PNI improves the morphological, functional, and electrophysiological indices of the rat sciatic nerve (Chen et al., 2020; Pop et al., 2021; Tamjid et al., 2023). Intraperitoneal administration of omega‐3‐coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, either a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day for 1 week, has improved morphological and functional indices of the rat sciatic nerve after nerve crush, with greater effects observed at a dosage of 30 mg/kg (Tamjid et al., 2023). Also, the oral administration of chitosan‐coated iron nanoparticles (2.5 mg/kg/day) for 21 days improves the morphological and functional indices of the sciatic nerve and slightly increases serum NGF levels after sciatic nerve compression injury (Pop et al., 2021).…”

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Pistachio Soft Hull Extract on the Expression of the Il-6 and IL-1β Genes in the Soleus Muscle of Female Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

“…In an experimental trial, 30 female Wistar rats, weighing between 180 and 200 grams, were purchased from the Pasteur Institute and transferred to the Laboratory Center of Azad Islamic University, Tehran Branch. To allow the rats to adapt to the environment and to control confounding factors, the rats were acclimated for two weeks before the start of the protocols (24,25). The laboratory environment was prepared according to the following standards: Regulation of relative humidity at 50% ± 10%, regulation of light-dark cycles to 12/12 hours, temperature maintained at 25 ± 2 degrees Celsius, a ventilation system with a silent fan, housing 6 rats in a standard cage, and providing free access to tap water and rat chow.…”